Kaizer Chiefs target longest streak in seven years yet battling Magesi FC pose a tough obstacle
Yet recent matches show some revival for Magesi and their manager Allan Freese proves a cunning operator. Chiefs anticipate a triumph but this fixture promises challenges.
Below are the key discussion areas before the sole midweek league fixture.
Chance for five straight?
Chiefs could secure a fifth consecutive league success for the first time since their eight straight under Ernst Middendorp in the 2019/20 campaign.
This marks a remarkable shift in performance considering the team suffered three straight defeats prior to this ongoing streak of wins.
In truth they have avoided draws across their past nine league outings (W6 L3) following a 0-0 against TS Galaxy in early December. Expanding to all tournaments that becomes 14 matches (W9 D5).
This sequence relies on solid defending allowing just one goal conceded across the four matches while netting eight.
These eight strikes represent a third of their full league tally this term having scored merely 16 in the previous 18 encounters.
Magesi’s vital opportunity
Attention falls on Chiefs but Magesi face an enticing prospect.
Previously stranded at the foot of the standings they would escape the relegation zone into 14th place with three points.
Current indicators suggest Magesi (23 games 17 points -15 goal difference) Orbit College (24 games 19 points -22 goal difference) and Marumo Gallants (24 games 19 points -17 goal difference) compete for the direct drop and the promotion relegation playoff.
Though rooted to the base with just three victories from 23 Magesi hold a superior goal difference to the pair. Actually they have let in fewer goals (31) than any team in the lower five.
Their trio of triumphs this term all occurred on home soil against Siwelele (2-0) TS Galaxy (2-1) and Marumo Gallants (3-0) in the latest outing.
Road stretch
The unusual scheduling this season initiates a sequence of seven successive away trips for Chiefs. They return home solely for the concluding game on May 23. Utterly peculiar.
Chiefs perform strongly away nonetheless claiming five wins from eight so far (D2 L1) and shipping only two goals overall. Their lone loss occurred at Richards Bay in early March.
Just Orlando Pirates (2.25 points average) surpass Chiefs (2.13) in away points per game this season.
Magesi pursue milestone
The dataset remains limited but Magesi seek their inaugural victory over Chiefs on Wednesday.
Prior encounters number three with Chiefs prevailing twice and one draw. AmaKhosi took the spoils in the two most recent including the home and away match this term held in Durban.
Chiefs strikes largely stem from their emerging talents. Mdu Shabalala (22) bagged a brace during a 2-2 stalemate last season while Wandile Duba (21) and Mfundo Vilakazi (20) scored in the 2-0 Durban success. Ashley du Preez (28) added the other in a 1-0 outcome.
Magesi held a two goal lead in that 2-2 until the 77th minute when Shabalala struck twice rapidly to salvage a share of the spoils.
Silva’s bright spot
Flavio Silva broke a five match scoring drought with his goal versus TS Galaxy on Sunday.
He sits on six in the Betway Premiership the highest for any Chiefs player and surely aims to reach ten by seasons end amid questions about his role.
Across 24 outings in all events he has eight goals at a rate of one per 154 minutes which suffices but falls short for a primary forward at Chiefs.
Silva holds one more year on his deal post this term with the club able to add another season yet his scoring output will determine any extension.